THE TRUE STRENGTH OF WEIGHT GAINERSPutting on size requires a balance of heavy training and quality nutrition. Because everyone's a little different, some have a harder time packing on muscle than others. PRO Gainers™ is a high-protein formula delivering calories that count during recovery. Each shake provides ample supplemental protein, carbs, vitamins and minerals to build on the amount you're getting through a balanced diet of food. Use PRO Gainer™ as your post-workout recovery shake and/or a high-protein meal between meals.

BEYOND THE BASICS

60 Grams of Quality Proteins Per Scoop

85 Grams of Carbohydrates to Help Restroe Energy Levels

24 Vitamins & Minerals

5 Grams of Dietary Fiber Per Serving

Ideal for Stacking with Other Size-Supporting Ingredients

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Supplement Facts

SHAKER CUP: Add 1 heaping scoop of PRO Gainer™ to 16oz of cold water and shake until thoroughly dissolved. TIP: Using milk will add additional calories, carbs and proteins to the nutrient profile of your gainer shake. You can also stack your shake with creatine and other size-supporting supplements.

ELECTRIC BLENDER: By using an electric blender, you can turn your gainer shake into a nutrient-dense mini meal. Add in fresh or frozen fruit, peanut butter, nuts, seeds and size-supporting supplements. TIP:Adding a couple of ice cubes can improve the consistency of your shake.

FOR MAXIMUM RESULTS: Use daily in conjunction with a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise including both strength and cardiovascular training.

SUGGESTED USE: For healthy adults, consume enough energy from a combination of high quality foods and supplements throughout the day as part of a balanced diet and exercise program.

Disclaimer:
This scientific independent research is provided by Aisle7 and is for informational use only. GNC provides this information as a service but does not endorse it. Likewise, Aisle7 does not recommend or endorse any specific products.

Pumping Up? How to Pick Your Protein Supplement

Our protein supplement guide will help you excel on the court, in the gym, or on the road

If you take your workouts seriously, nutrition should be top of mind too. Protein is a great place to start, and focusing on getting the right types of protein, in the right amounts, and at the right times is key. Our protein supplement guide will help you meet your wellness goals, potentially improving your performance on the court, in the gym, or on the road.

What type?

Whey

Whey protein is quick to digest and provides all of the protein building blocks - the amino acids. Our bodies cannot make some amino acids, and whey is ideal for meeting essential amino acid needs. Whey also supplies branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), and some research supports that they aid muscle recovery after hard workouts.

Casein

Compared with whey, casein is slower to digest, and results in a lower, yet more prolonged rise in blood amino acid levels, which may provide a particular advantage for body builders. At least one study supports that casein outshines whey in terms of promoting strength and lean body mass gains in people following a structured weight-training plan.

Rice

Rice protein is less likely to create allergic reactions than other proteins, and it comes from a plant, making it appropriate for vegetarians. Another potential advantage is that rice protein contains a high proportion of arginine, an amino acid that can dilate blood vessels, possibly enhancing blood flow to muscles. Rice is not a "complete" protein however; it doesn't supply all of the essential amino acids. Some products combine rice protein with proteins from sources like soy or milk to make it complete.

Egg

Egg protein is ideal for people who are looking to build new muscle. It has a very high protein efficiency ratio (PER), which is one measure of how well our bodies can use any particular form of protein. The higher the PER, the more efficiently our bodies can use that protein when we eat it. Egg is off the charts in terms of PER. Egg protein also is a complete protein, and is a good source of essential and branched chain amino acids. Egg protein powder is made from egg whites, and comes in a convenient, pasteurized powder form.

Soy

Soy protein is a high-quality plant protein that provides all essential amino acids, making it a good option for vegetarians. For the body to best utilize soy protein, vegetarians should also eat grain or dairy within a few days. Soy protein comes in two basic forms: soy protein isolate and soy protein concentrate. Soy protein isolate is the most highly purified form, and has a minimum protein content of 90%. Soy protein concentrate contains more carbohydrates, and has a protein content of approximately 70%. Concentrates tend to cost a little less, but if you find soy protein concentrate doesn't agree with you, try isolate, which is easier for some people to digest.

How much?

With protein, as with many nutrients, more is not always better. According to Dr. Doug Paddon-Jones, Associate Professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch and Director of Exercise Studies, "30 grams of protein appears to stimulate maximum muscle synthesis. For athletes, each meal and snack is a chance to hit the 30 gram mark, giving your body several opportunities each day to maximize muscle growth and repair."

Another reason to spread protein evenly through the day is simple efficiency. "Given that your body won't use much beyond 30 grams of protein at a time, it doesn't make sense to load up with more than this," says Paddon-Jones.

When?

Breakfast-To support muscle building first thing in the morning, try trading traditional carb-heavy breakfast foods for more protein-rich options, such as a powder protein supplement mixed with milk and cereal.

If you're heading into a long strength-training session-Sipping a casein-based protein supplement prior to and during your workout will give muscles sustained access to amino acids. If taken in the evening, casein can provide a steady supply of amino acids while you're sleeping.

Suzanne Dixon, MPH, MS, RD, an author, speaker, and internationally recognized expert in chronic disease prevention, epidemiology, and nutrition, has taught medical, nursing, public health, and alternative medicine coursework. She has delivered over 150 invited lectures to health professionals and consumers and is the creator of a nutrition website acclaimed by the New York Times and Time magazine. Suzanne received her training in epidemiology and nutrition at the University of Michigan, School of Public Health at Ann Arbor.

This product was a bit of a disappointment to me. Optimum Nutrition is such a great company and brand. I love all their other products. However this one did not hold up. I have used many different proteins. But since it is winter time, I wanted to build up rather than stay cut. After using this product all it did was leave me bloated. After weeks of use, the only difference I noticed was a bigger gut, nothing else was building up. Also, the packaging and scooper are not labeled properly. It comes with a scooper measured in cups, oz, ml, and yet the directions say to take "one heaping scoop" as if we know the exact amount. I will not stray from ON's products, they are excellent, but will never waste my money on this expensive protein gainer again.

My goal is to gain some lean muscle in specific areas to help with my game (Semi-pro soccer player). I needed upper body (shoulder, arms), back and thigh strength. I only worked out those areas and have noticed significant gains in power, strength and size. Now I hold off guys bigger than me in size and run faster. I take it three times a day with regular meals and before and after games. I also combine this with Creatine capsules. I have gained 7 pounds of lean muscle and look bigger in about a month a half.

I take this every day after my workouts, usually blended with ice, a banana, spinach, and maybe peanut butter. I think it tastes pretty good and it doesn't feel like I drank cement.

I have tried gainers before without success, but I really like this one. I just finished my first 10 pound bag and I've seen gains in appearance and on the scale. The macros are good - 60 g of protein per serving! - and a good amount of carbs for gaining.

For the price, this is a great product.

FYI: I also take creatine, fish oil, and a pre-workout. I do a 6-day split routine.

This is a gainer that will help build lean muscle before it helps you put on extra lbs. of fat. With 650 calories comprised of quality ingredients, it'll help support a healthy diet while also maximizing recovery and gaining weight.

I had been steadily working out 3 to 5 days a week for six months, and although I was making good strength gains, I was not seeing the gains I wanted on the scale (probably because of my high metabolism). So I chose this product to be my first gainer. I liked pro complex and read good reviews about this gainer, so I chose it.On training days I drink half a serving upon waking up, and another half immediately after my work out. On off days I have a full serving when I wake up.I got the 10 pound bag of double chocolate. The flavor is good but it doesn't mix all too well with water (which it what I always drink my protein in).Overall, the product has been great. I have been seeing the weight gains that I have wanted.